Frank J. Bettendorf

Frank Joseph Bettendorf. was born on October 10th, 1937, in Columbus, OH. and peacefully passed away on Friday, March 12, 2021. He leaves a wonderful legacy of family, friends, and cheer in his memory.

Frank was the first child of Margaret and Francis Elmer Bettendorf; he had 2 siblings Robert (Patricia) and Thomas who died in 2009. Frank was extremely proud of his family and loved spending time with them. He extended his family by forming deep friendships with former classmates, neighbors, club associates and fellow business leaders in Columbus. These friendships were the source of unlimited joy and fun. The stories of the Salt Fork Crew, Elgin Road Gang, various supper clubs and Des Moines Bachelors Club are legendary. Some of them are actually true. Meeting Frank you knew you had met someone special. To be known by Frank was to be loved by him.

Frank was proud to be a part of the Notre Dame tradition, attending The University of Notre Dame until his graduation in 1959. He loved to plan his annual tailgate with family and friends. He considered these events mini-family reunions. He was also a great benefactor to the university as a member in the Sorin Society, a member of the Columbus Notre Dame Club (Man Of the Year, 1969) and established the Frank J. Bettendorf Family scholarship fund. He was also a proud Ohio State University fan attending most home games and sponsoring many tailgates at the Shoe. His support for OSU went deeper than sports. He was a life-time member of the Presidents Club, the Buckeye Club and worked for many years with the OSU Office of Finance. He was a proud supporter of his alma mater, St. Charles Preparatory School, where he received the “Distinguished Alumni” award in 2010. He was an active supporter of his children’s and grandchildren’s high school, Bishop Watterson, and a member of their hall of fame.

Frank had a successful career in Financial Services. He was well known for his sincerity, work ethic, and his trustworthy advice to many. Because of his love for clients and the business, he never retired.

There were countless gifts in life that brought Frank true enjoyment. Frank cherished any time with his grandchildren. Whether it be a sporting event, Grandparents Day, a day of golf, visits to Florida or summer vacations to Columbus you could see Frank beaming with excitement.

Frank was a life-time member at Scioto Country Club and a past board member. He spent many a day enjoying the comradery of family and friends at the club. He was a past President of Northwest Kiwanis, was on the Diocesan Finance Committee for over 40 years, was a past board member of the Pontifical College Josephinum and was a past board member of Mount Carmel Hospital Foundation. Frank was a recipient of the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice, an honor awarded by the Pope to members of the clergy and laity for service to the Catholic Church.

Frank cherished his Catholic faith almost as much as his family. His spiritual strength was unparalleled. He believed in his faith with undying devotion and lived it every day of his life. His expression of faith was never preachy or pious, rather it was sincere, heartfelt and inspirational. Frank had a life that was well-lived and joyful. Frank always saw the positive in people and always had a smile on his face. It is with great gratitude that we remember the life of Frank Bettendorf and pray:

Dear Lord, now take back the soul of Frank Joseph Bettendorf, who You have shared with us. He brought us joy and we loved him well.

Frank is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Sheila; their two children, Ann Freeman (Bud) and Joseph Bettendorf (Karen); and 6 grandchildren, Danielle, Gene, Frank and Jacquelyn Freeman and Andrew and Katherine Bettendorf.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, March 20, 2021 at St. Agatha Catholic Church, 1860 Northam Road, Upper Arlington, 43221. The family will receive friends following the mass from 11 AM – 1 PM. To view a live stream of the mass, please visit https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCleC-HQfr5aZfAUDYGu6AQ, which is The Dublin Property YouTube Channel. A Celebration of Life for Frank will be held from 4-7 PM on Friday May 7 at Scioto County Club. Private Interment at St. Joseph Cemetery. Celebrant is Reverend Monsignor Joseph Hendricks. Concelebrants are The Most Reverend James A Griffin (Bishop Emeritus of Columbus), Father Mark Summers and Father William Deville. Flowers are not allowed at church during this time.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the University of Notre Dame. Please direct your gift to the Frank J. Bettendorf Family Scholarship in memory of Frank J. Bettendorf. Gifts may be made online at giving.nd.edu , by phone at (574) 631-5150, or by mail: University of Notre Dame, Department of Development, 1100 Grace Hall, Notre Dame, IN 46556.

Contributions may also be made to the The Catholic Foundation Bettendorf Family Scholarship Fund in memory of Frank J. Bettendorf, payable to The Catholic Foundation, 257 E. Broad Street, Columbus 43215 or Give now at , enter Bettendorf Family Scholarship, or charity of your choice.

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam – For the Greater Glory of God. AMDG